Is VR a deviation from the book

cookiedough · Post by **cookiedough** » 11 Aug 2020, 13:45

I see your point but VR isn't the same as medication. The author suggest natural remedies and VR is a man-made solution that could help those with phobias. It's also fun to interact with VR in general. I was able to go to space and dive deep into the ocean with it, which I found to be an adventure.

Astrolorraine · Post by **Astrolorraine** » 12 Aug 2020, 09:10

That's a good point! I guess it depends on how you define natural. In a technology vs nature view, VR is not natural. If you think of it as physical experience vs chemical treatment (pills etc), then VR can be considered natural.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 12 Aug 2020, 11:53

Joseph_ngaruiya wrote:
> Howlan wrote:
> > Joseph_ngaruiya wrote:
> > > Banette wrote:
> > > > Given that virtual reality therapy uses the same principles as
> exposure
> > > > therapy, which was mentioned earlier, I think it definitely falls
> within
> > > > the principles of the book. The only difference in VR therapy and
> > > > "real" exposure therapy is that the situation is much more
> > > > controlled, and it can be less threatening for some. I think the idea
> of a
> > > > natural remedy in the case of this book simply means that it is an
> > > > alternative solution to medication.
> > > >
> > > > I'd actually really like to try it since I do have mild social
> anxiety,
> > > > which definitely isn't anything bad enough to medicate, and I'd heard
> that
> > > > a lot of people were able to use VRChat, and similar games, to help
> > > > acclimate them to speaking with people in real life.
> > >
> > > As you stated, VR is a controlled environment. The intensity or environment
> > > replication can be heightened or reduced to suit the preferences of the
> user.
> > It's a
> > > very workable solution. You should consider trying it out.
> >
> > Yes, a great advantage of living in this day and age is that you can simulate
> almost
> > any action. The VR is no different. It can stimulate any social interaction and
> you
> > can definitely benefit from this.
>
> As VR keeps changing, more options to customize experiences as per the needs of the
> user will help with issues of anxiety and stress. A doctor can recommend a certain
> procedure as part of therapy, which can be programmed to a VR environment and fit
> their patient.

Yes, that is the part which is so alluring. It is a boon to be able to stimulate experiences which was impossible a few years back. It is an important step in treating anxirty and stress and should continue to evolve further.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 12 Aug 2020, 11:55

Star_and_Buck wrote:
> VR is not a remedy or a solution to anyone's problems but is an escape. For
> anyone suffering through anxiety it is an imagionary world where he or she
> dreams just where he wants to be or whag he likes to be disrrgarding the
> current situations.

Yes, and that temporary reprive is what helps us cam our mind and get back our concentration. Similar to a timeout in a busy match to bring back the momentum, sometimes an escape is required to bring us back on our feet.

Banette · Post by **Banette** » 12 Aug 2020, 12:10

Star_and_Buck wrote:
> VR is not a remedy or a solution to anyone's problems but is an escape. For
> anyone suffering through anxiety it is an imagionary world where he or she
> dreams just where he wants to be or whag he likes to be disrrgarding the
> current situations.

It seems a bit unreasonable to lump all uses for VR together like that, don't you think? While yes, it can be an escape from some, I don't think that's the case for everyone. I'd imagine the vast majority of VR usage is for entertainment and in most cases, it isn't any more of an escape than turning on a TV. Socializing is another, very common, use thanks to VRChat and similar programs being a more interactive way of communicating with people far away than a call or video chat. And there are numerous cases of VR being psychologically beneficial. As mentioned in the book, virtual reality therapy is a commonly accepted practice and the virtual youtuber Iron Mouse has talked about how interacting through her avatar has helped her feel normal despite being bed ridden and having limited mobility in the real world.

RachelEmmanuel · Post by **RachelEmmanuel** » 12 Aug 2020, 16:14

I think VR, while not technically a natural remedy, can be used as an alternative to medication especially when dealing with phobias. For example there is a VR game that helps those with acrophobia. Each level makes the person feel that they going up a little more until they feel they are looking down from a mountain or the Empire State building. If used regularly it can help reduce the fear of heights. Similar games can be used to simulate other situations that people have irrational fear such as snakes or spiders while never actually putting them in any physical danger. This may make them more willing to try rather than being physically exposed to these things.

elisathelvarik · Post by **elisathelvarik** » 12 Aug 2020, 16:53

The author tries to emphasize putting yourself into the situation that you fear in order to overcome it. Virtual reality is a solution without the actual consequences that may come with more dangerous phobias. This is not contradictory to me because it is more about the concept and method without prescription medication. VR can be expensive and costly, but it could be a great solution for those deeply affected by their phobias.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:13

RachelEmmanuel wrote:
> I think VR, while not technically a natural remedy, can be used as an
> alternative to medication especially when dealing with phobias. For example
> there is a VR game that helps those with acrophobia. Each level makes the
> person feel that they going up a little more until they feel they are
> looking down from a mountain or the Empire State building. If used
> regularly it can help reduce the fear of heights. Similar games can be used
> to simulate other situations that people have irrational fear such as
> snakes or spiders while never actually putting them in any physical danger.
> This may make them more willing to try rather than being physically exposed
> to these things.

Yes, VR is truly a revolutionary idea while dealing with phobias. Simulating your phobias can really make a difference in most cases. Exposing yourself to the actual fear as simulation can help a lot. Especially readers of "Divergent" will understand the importance of simulation to treating phobias.

Howlan · Post by **Howlan** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:16

elisathelvarik wrote:
> The author tries to emphasize putting yourself into the situation that you
> fear in order to overcome it. Virtual reality is a solution without the
> actual consequences that may come with more dangerous phobias. This is not
> contradictory to me because it is more about the concept and method without
> prescription medication. VR can be expensive and costly, but it could be a
> great solution for those deeply affected by their phobias.

VR may come without prescription, but to cure phobias, VR should be monitored as it can cause a dangerous mental condition if the exposure to the phobia is not regulated properly.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:31

rahilshajahan wrote:
> Dominik_G wrote:
> > I understand why you propose this question. However, I believe the authors
> > use "natural" as in "non-medical", and so Virtual
> > Reality has a right to make their list of possible remedies, in my opinion.
>
> I can't agree with you more. The author didn't mean to say VR technology is natural,
> but rather a non-medical means of remedy.

I feel hopeful that VR will revolutionize the struggle people go through with anxiety. If it can be used to replace medication, then I would advocate for it.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:33

cookiedough wrote:
> I see your point but VR isn't the same as medication. The author suggest
> natural remedies and VR is a man-made solution that could help those with
> phobias. It's also fun to interact with VR in general. I was able to go to
> space and dive deep into the ocean with it, which I found to be an
> adventure.

Even though VR is manmade, I believe it can be categorized as a natural remedy because it can be used in place of medication.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:38

Astrolorraine wrote:
> That's a good point! I guess it depends on how you define natural. In a
> technology vs nature view, VR is not natural. If you think of it as
> physical experience vs chemical treatment (pills etc), then VR can be
> considered natural.

You distinguished the two harmoniously. Since VR is a human invention, it can be confusing to think of it differently. But Kinrys explains what natural remedies are and hence makes it easier for the reader to make clear judgments.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:42

Howlan wrote:
> Star_and_Buck wrote:
> > VR is not a remedy or a solution to anyone's problems but is an escape. For
> > anyone suffering through anxiety it is an imagionary world where he or she
> > dreams just where he wants to be or whag he likes to be disrrgarding the
> > current situations.
>
> Yes, and that temporary reprive is what helps us cam our mind and get back our
> concentration. Similar to a timeout in a busy match to bring back the momentum,
> sometimes an escape is required to bring us back on our feet.

I've experienced moments of stress and a bit of anxiety, disconnecting for a while helps to minimize the levels. VR games have been my runaway choice sometimes. It doesn't fix the problem right away, but it helps to keep my mind occupied.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:46

elisathelvarik wrote:
> The author tries to emphasize putting yourself into the situation that you
> fear in order to overcome it. Virtual reality is a solution without the
> actual consequences that may come with more dangerous phobias. This is not
> contradictory to me because it is more about the concept and method without
> prescription medication. VR can be expensive and costly, but it could be a
> great solution for those deeply affected by their phobias.

Exactly, VR is a pragmatic problem solver to issues related to anxiety and phobias. It eliminates the complicated processes of countering fear. Experiences can also be programmed to increase or decrease to fit the emotional preferences of the user.

Joseph_ngaruiya · Post by **Joseph_ngaruiya** » 13 Aug 2020, 02:48

RachelEmmanuel wrote:
> I think VR, while not technically a natural remedy, can be used as an
> alternative to medication especially when dealing with phobias. For example
> there is a VR game that helps those with acrophobia. Each level makes the
> person feel that they going up a little more until they feel they are
> looking down from a mountain or the Empire State building. If used
> regularly it can help reduce the fear of heights. Similar games can be used
> to simulate other situations that people have irrational fear such as
> snakes or spiders while never actually putting them in any physical danger.
> This may make them more willing to try rather than being physically exposed
> to these things.

VR is not a deviation from the book. I agree with you about simulation and eliminating or reducing phobias. VR can be used as an addition to other practical methods highlighted in this book.